Mr Banks wants UKIP supporters to be able to replace Theresa May with a hard Brexiteer - ex-UKIP leader Nigel Farage pictured in 2016

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“Our systems can tell us exactly where the referrals come from. It’s about a hundred from his email. And that means we’ve obviously been able to look very closely at how well-meaning those people are before we accept them.”

Mr Banks himself was blocked by Tory chiefs from becoming a Tory party member two weeks ago.

A row has exploded among pro and anti-Brexit Tory MPs on whether to welcome UKIP supporters back to the party.

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Dr Fox would only say: “I don’t comment on any one individual.

“But people who believe that we believe are welcome in the Conservative Party.

“If we get back people who voted UKIP before, who believe that having successfully delivered Brexit the Conservative Party is the best party to govern Britain they’re welcome in the Conservative Party.”